Key facts
- Russians are using VPNs and dual-phone strategies to circumvent government internet restrictions.
- The Kremlin's crackdown has led to disruptions in essential services and public frustration.
- VPN downloads have seen a significant surge, indicating widespread use.
- Authorities are actively blocking VPN services and restricting access to foreign applications.
- Some Russian officials are also employing these circumvention methods.
- A proposed extra charge for foreign data usage has been delayed.
Russians are increasingly resorting to complex technical measures, such as virtual private networks (VPNs) and using multiple phones, to circumvent President Vladimir Putin's tightening grip on the internet. The government's efforts to establish 'digital sovereignty' by blocking foreign apps like WhatsApp and Telegram and restricting access to hundreds of VPN services have led to disruptions in banking, transport, and e-commerce.
These restrictions, which have intensified since the conflict in Ukraine began, have caused significant frustration among the population, with some analysts suggesting it has contributed to a dip in Putin's approval ratings. Users like Irina, a 41-year-old interior designer, describe the daily hassle of toggling VPNs on and off and switching between different messaging apps and virtual locations to access necessary services and communicate with friends abroad.
The surge in VPN usage is notable, with downloads of the top five services increasing dramatically. However, authorities are actively combating this, with regulators restricting access to VPNs and major Russian companies beginning to block users who have VPNs enabled, leading to a drop in traffic for some online retailers. Despite these challenges, many Russians have adapted, though some express irritation with the digital environment.
Officials maintain that internet restrictions are necessary for security reasons but have also acknowledged that an over-reliance on bans can be counterproductive. The government has also postponed a plan to charge extra for foreign data usage, likely until after the upcoming parliamentary elections, indicating a sensitivity to public discontent.